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Andy Farrell sees competition for places as crucial to England Six Nations success

England backs coach Andy Farrell has pointed to competition across the squad as the key to success in the Six Nations.

Last Updated: 09/01/13 10:35pm

Andy Farrell: game-breakers so important

England's wealth of resources is reflected at fly-half, where Freddie Burns, Toby Flood and Owen Farrell all have valid claims to the starting No 10 shirt. All three were named in England's 33-man elite squad on Wednesday.

Andy Farrell told Sky Sports: "There is competition at 10, there is competition there across the board.

"Freddie has played very well at club level and he had a 20-minute spell against New Zealand so he will obviously get confidence from that, but Owen and Toby are also playing well, so there is competition throughout the squad.

"It was a very difficult squad to pick because a lot of players are playing well and are in form."

Billy Twelvetrees has been called up for the first time and Farrell is excited by the Gloucester centre.

"Billy Twelvetrees is a talented player who has had a lot of experience at 10, so he gives you options at both 10 and 12.

"He obviously has got the brain of a 10 but the physicality of a 12 that can get you over the gain-line and do the hard yards as well, so he is another guy that we are looking to expose to international football and I think it's good for everyone concerned."

Farrell also emphasised that game-breakers are the key to success in international rugby.

He said: "I think the key is to get the best guys out there across the park. Who are the guys that can make a difference at international level when the game is at stalemate and something needs to happen?

"Who are the guys that can actually make it happen out of nothing? Who's got the hunger to actually make it happen? People like Mike Brown and Ben Foden can do that whether they play at full-back or on the wing."